IKEA FIXA Screwdriver Drill Review
When we saw an IKEA-branded drill we simply had to get it. Featuring a soft synthetic rubber skin, the 7.2V […]
Metabo MAG 28 LTX Cordless Magnetic Drill Press Preview
Lately, Metabo seems to be coming up with some pretty impressive products. Earlier this year they announced a 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery pack and now the portable electric power tool manufacturer has introduced the world’s first cordless magnetic drill press. Metabo is known for producing tools that are particularly suited for industrial, construction and welding applications and the new MAG 28 LTX fits right in. The new magnetic drill press uses a 25.2 V (others might call this a 24V) Li-ion battery to power the tool. For anchoring the drill to the surface, the tool uses a powerful rare earth magnet which requires no energy from the battery. This makes the mag drill suitable for use in remote and previously inaccessible environments.
DeWalt DCF895C2 Brushless Impact Driver Review
The DeWalt DCF895C2 20V MAX Brushless Lithium-Ion 1.5Ah Impact Driver should conjure up thoughts of long run time, cooler operation, […]
Kobalt 18V Li-ion Cordless Impact Wrench Review
For anyone who does any sort of automotive work, the impact wrench is a must-have tool. Even if you only occasionally remove a tire, there is a stark difference between using a breaker bar or tire iron and a pneumatic impact wrench. But with an impact wrench, you also have the obligatory air compressor, hose, and necessary room to make sure it all works. Not so, with Kobalt Tools’ new 18V 1/2″ Cordless Impact Wrench. Of course, the real issue is, now that they’ve severed the cord and gone to the 18V Lithium-ion battery, is the tool sufficiently powerful to truly take off lug nuts? Can it replace, for real, not just for “most purposes” the air powered impact wrench? That’s what we set out to prove or disprove. And like most experiments, we had a lot of fun, and learned more than we expected.
Makita LXDT04 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Preview
Makita’s new LXDT04 Cordless Impact Driver uses the company’s variable speed 4-pole motor to deliver 1,420 in. lbs. of maximum torque. It does it with 0-3,200 impacts per minute and up to 2,300 RPMs. We love impact drivers, and Makita’s new model seems suited for a variety of tough-as-nails (or, as is the case, tough as lag bolts) fastening tasks. Since the LXDT04 only weighs 3.3 lbs, it’s also got an excellent power-to-weight ratio and measures just 5-7/16″ long – smaller and lighter than the BTD141 18V Impact Driver that it replaces.
Hitachi DS18DBL 18V Li-ion Brushless Driver Drill Preview
Following up on Milwaukee Tool’s FUEL Brushless technology announcement, Hitachi Power Tools, just announced a new line of 18V Brushless Motor Lithium-ion cordless tools. The first new tool to be released is the DS18DBL 18V Lithium-ion Brushless Driver Drill. Why brushless? Well, besides the fact that it appears to be a new trend, Hitachi claims that their brushless technology, which they first delivered in their 14.4V WH14DBL, manages the tool’s motor and delivers up to 50% longer run time between charges. It should also increase power and extend durability since there is essentially no maintenance on the tool. Hitachi’s DS18DBL 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Driver Drill delivers 593 in-lbs of turning torque. That’s not quite up to what we’ve measured on Milwaukee’s new 18V Brushless FUEL drill, but it’s certainly respectable. Hitachi also added an electronic speed control switch to the DS18DBL. That means that you can push a button and select from 4 different speeds. It’s likely overkill for most, but professionals may appreciate the delicate options for control.
Hitachi DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill Preview
First it was Milwaukee’s Brushless FUEL Drills, then Makita got into the game. Hitachi Power Tools wasn’t far behind that (and really, the orders get confusing, but let’s just congratulate all of the manufacturers for innovating here). Now, the company is announcing new additions to its line of 18V Brushless tools. In particular, they are adding a new DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill. The new DV18DBL ramps up the power from the DS18DBL, which had 593 in-lbs of torque, to an impressive 654 in-lbs of turning torque. It comes with a 1/2″ ratcheting keyless all-metal chuck which feature carbide inserts for secure bit retention. This is a great addition for a tool designed to hammer into concrete. The clutch is designed to actually deliver 22 different torque settings, plus a hammer setting and drill mode for maximum torque. The tool is a compact 8.1″ in length, which is about a 1/10″ shorter than Milwaukee’s new Hammer Drill. It’s also fairly lightweight for a hammer drill at 4.8 lbs. The DV18DBL is sold as a kit and comes with two 3.0Ah Lithium-ion Slide Type batteries, a quick charger, side handle, carrying case and double sided Phillips driver bit.
DeWalt DCF883 20V 3/8-inch Hog Ring Anvil Impact Wrench
The DeWalt DCF883 20V 3/8-inch Impact Wrench features a Hog Ring Anvil. It’s a great choice for automotive mechanics, maintenance professionals, mechanical and […]
Kobalt KT200A 18V Compact Drill Driver Review
When we went to Kobalt’s Press Event in New York where they debuted the new line of 18V Li-ion tools, one of the things we were most impressed with was the Compact Drill Driver. This was a tool that, while not perfect, took a lot of cues from successful products that had come before it. Kobalt’s first foray into the world of Cordless Power Tools didn’t appear to be so introductory as some other manufacturers’ have been. They more or less leapt right into the second generation tools, making themselves more competitive than if they had debuted a product lacking many of the features and qualities we now come to expect.
Milwaukee 2457-21 M12 Cordless 3/8 in Ratchet Preview
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand the versatility of their M12 Li-ion system with the introduction of the M12 Cordless 1/4″ and 3/8″ Ratchets. At only 10-3/4″ long and 1.9 lbs, these new tools are the most compact and powerful ratchets in their class, providing an ideal fastening solution for automotive mechanics and maintenance-repair professionals desiring maximum performance, portability and productivity.